Last January, when the violence, break-ins and anti-social behavior was at a peak, I called for the creation of a task-force to deal with the crisis – but what is required in Alice Springs is a beefed-up permanent police presence. “

Additional police on the beat is the best way to deter criminals, not high-profile publicity stunts that are back lolling around Darwin when criminals strike.”

Mr Conlan said delays in appointing a new full-time Southern Commander reflected poorly on police policy priorities: “The Southern Region has been without a permanent commander for almost a year.

“The delay in providing the community and police officers with the certainty that comes from a permanent commander is inexcusable.

“The Commissioner should in future avoid cherry picking crime statistics collected during the dead of winter which show a drop in incidents. “

Instead of drip-feeding Territorians selective figures that suit the Government’s narrative, the Government should end the cover-up and resume releasing quarterly crime statistics immediately.” [Media release.]

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